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Kuwait National Assembly ‘Opener’ Set for April 21

Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21
Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21
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Kuwait National Assembly ‘Opener’ Set for April 21

Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21
Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour invited lawmakers to attend the new National Assembly’s opener on Sunday, April 21

Kuwaiti MP Saleh Ashour, the second oldest lawmaker in the National Assembly who will chair the house’s opening session, invited lawmakers on Tuesday to attend the new parliament’s opener on Sunday, April 21.

Ashour said the Assembly’s secretariat contacted former speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun, who is the oldest member at 90 years old, to chair the opening session, but he apologized because he plans to run for the speaker’s post.

As a result, Ashour officially became the lawmaker to chair the opening session.

Ashour told the press at the National Assembly’s media center that the Assembly is meeting on April 21 as per constitutional deadlines for the 18th legislative term, as stated in Article 87.

Around 37 MPs confirmed they'll attend the opening session, following constitutional timelines.

Ashour clarified that due to Decree No. 67 of 2024, the session planned for April 17 is canceled, with the Assembly now convening on May 14 instead.

He emphasized that the April 21 session is in line with constitutional requirements, held after the two-week post-election period, ensuring transparency and dispelling any doubts.

Moreover, Kuwaiti lawmakers have urged Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the newly appointed Prime Minister, to focus more on citizens’ daily struggles.

His appointment comes after the previous caretaker Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, stepped down following the recent parliamentary elections.

Ashour stressed that the new premier must prioritize citizens’ welfare in his government’s plans.

Ashour stated that they hope Sheikh Ahmad’s cabinet will include qualified ministers committed to addressing citizens’ needs and improving their lives with a realistic action plan.

Lawmaker Fayez Al-Jumhour, on his part, stressed that the parliament and government should collaborate to improve citizens’ living standards.

MP Janan Boushahri also noted on “X” that the new prime minister has time to select competent ministers dedicated to the constitution.

Boushahri emphasized that cooperation is vital when it benefits the state and citizens.

She added that oversight is essential if the government deviates from the constitution or protects wrongdoers.

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Gulf

Kuwaiti Emir Begins Official Visit to France to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

The Emir of Kuwait departs the country, heading to Paris on an official visit (KUNA) 
The Emir of Kuwait departs the country, heading to Paris on an official visit (KUNA) 
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Kuwaiti Emir Begins Official Visit to France to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

The Emir of Kuwait departs the country, heading to Paris on an official visit (KUNA) 
The Emir of Kuwait departs the country, heading to Paris on an official visit (KUNA) 

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, arrived in Paris on Sunday for his first official visit to France since assuming office last December. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes senior Kuwaiti government officials.

The visit comes at a particularly sensitive moment for the region, amid escalating tensions, the ongoing war in Gaza, and the fallout from military strikes between Iran and Israel.

In a statement issued by the Élysée Palace, the French presidency said the visit reflects a shared desire to deepen bilateral cooperation across diplomatic, defense, and economic spheres. The trip also coincides with Kuwait’s current presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

According to the statement, the Emir will meet President Emmanuel Macron for a working lunch on Monday. He will also attend France’s annual Bastille Day military parade on July 14.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya described the visit as a “strategic milestone” to strengthen partnership in light of rapidly evolving regional and global dynamics. He confirmed that the Emir’s agenda includes signing agreements and memorandums of understanding covering infrastructure, education, defense, and culture.

Historical Relations

Diplomatic ties between Kuwait and France date back to 1961, when Paris formally recognized Kuwaiti independence. In 1967, the two countries exchanged ambassadors. Over the decades, the relationship has seen several high-profile visits, including Emir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al Sabah’s trip to Paris in 1989 and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah’s meeting with President Jacques Chirac in 2006.

Ministerial engagements have also continued, with former Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid attending the Middle East Peace Conference in 2017. More recently, French Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Kuwait in April to sign new bilateral agreements.

Economic and Defense Partnership

France is one of Kuwait’s leading economic partners. French companies account for nearly 50% of European investments in the country and employ over 2,100 people in sectors such as energy, transportation, healthcare, and consumer goods.

On defense, Kuwait and France maintain a military cooperation agreement first signed in August 1992 and renewed in 2009, which provides for mutual assistance if Kuwait faces external aggression. France’s participation in the 1991 coalition to liberate Kuwait cemented its standing as a key military ally.

Last month, Kuwait’s embassy in Paris took part in the “Gulf Vision 2025” conference hosted under Macron’s patronage to forge broader economic partnerships between France and the GCC states.